We've oftenrecommended taking breaks to avoid burnout, reduce eyestrain, and stay motivated throughout the day. Working in focused intervals also can help you get more high-quality work done—in less time, the Harvard Business Review reminds us.

We cram a lot of work into our daily lives, constantly fighting off the temptation to sit back and…
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Multitasking, eating at your desk, and running between meetings all day long might be the way most of us are used to working, but it's dead tiring. Thanks to the law of diminishing returns, HBR writes, it's also not as productive as working in 90 minute stretches with 15-20 minute breaks (or even a nap) and a real lunch break. Knowing you have a break coming up can give you the energy to work at full capacity for your 90 minute shift.

The article notes a study, which we've mentioned before, about violinists: The best players practiced in sessions no longer than 90 minutes, took breaks in between, and also took a 20-30 minute nap in the afternoon.